Keeping your smile on track

Specialist orthodontic care for children and adults in the heart of Trumpington, Cambridge.

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Retainers at Autograph Dental Cambridge

After your braces come off, your teeth won’t necessarily want to stay in their new, straighter position. Wearing retainers will help keep your beautiful smile straight.

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What options are available?

What options are available?

Retaining devices are worn after braces and are intended to keep your teeth in the place which they have been moved to. There are two main types of teeth retainer: a fixed retainer (also known as a bonded or permanent retainer) or one that can be removed such as an Essix or Hawley retainer.

Both removable and fixed retainers will keep your teeth straight for years to come, as long as you keep wearing them as your Specialist Orthodontist advises!

Bonded Retainers

Bonded Retainers

As the name suggests, bonded retainers are attached to the back of the teeth with a dental composite material that is hardened with a special curing light, and is very strong to prevent from wearing over time.

The advantage of a bonded retainer is that compliance is not an issue, the retainer itself can't be taken out to ensure that the the patient's teeth remain in the same place. As well as this, there is no cosmetic concerns as the retainer is hidden behind the patient's teeth.

Vivera retainers

Vivera retainers are not just aesthetically pleasing, but they are also made of a medical grade plastic that will not degrade over time. Vivera retainers are only worn at night.

Vivera retainers
Hawley retainers

Hawley retainers

The Hawley retainer, one of the most trusted orthodontic post-braces appliance. It can be removable and consists of plastic and metal that's custom-molded to fit your teeth and mouth. Wires sit over your front six teeth while loops near your canines can be adjusted once your teeth settle to their final resting spot.

After a few months of regular wear with your retainer, we may allow you to wear it less and less each day — but at the outset, we recommend you wear it for most of the day for it to be effective.